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December 8, 2009

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The Great Pajama Debate: Reader loves the jammies, hates the traffic

MR Wan Lixin,

IF I have been inappropriate or too forward (you know how we Americans can be) please feel free to edit accordingly.

I am an American who has the privilege to live in Shanghai for the next few years.

I have only been here four months now but first impressions are lasting.

It seems the pajama conversation is coming up quite often with the World Expo coming up. I do agree with much of your article.

Believe me, it doesn't make me happy to see KFC and McDonald's everywhere, even if they are filled with Chinese people at every hour.

I have never, nor will I ever, purchase a fake designer bag that is being hawked at most corners because I believe it's just wrong to copy a logo (and I don't always think the "real" bag is so great to start with).

However, I would like to add that it isn't Americans that are trying to get the locals from wearing their pajamas.

Yes, we have a little laugh here and there, because it's different. The Chinese have had their fair share of laughs at me and fellow expats for various reasons.

The government seems to want to put on their best face for the world to see when the 2010 Expo opens in Shanghai.

Pajamas, spitting in the streets, etc seem to be their own issues with their people, or yes, maybe their impression of what they think "we" don't want to see.

This American hopes the tradition of pajama wearing continues.

To me, there is a much bigger fish to fry here (excuse my pun), and that is as a pedestrian, I must take my life into my hands every time I go walking outside. I would hope public safety would be a No. 1 concern.

Well, so be it. I love this city 掳?- traffic, pajamas and some bad architecture included.

Enjoy your time in America. Believe me when I say that you'll need your sense of humor to fully enjoy it.

 

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